In each issue, the bimonthly DAR magazine, American Spirit, highlights an object from the DAR Museum collection in its "National Treasures" feature. These objects always have a story to tell about American history.
National Treasures
Based on the toy horses, carriages and carts that appear in early boys' portraits, it seems that boys have always loved transportation-themed toys. If these two examples are any indication, the added...
This strange-looking device is a siphon coffeemaker made in England between 1865 and 1875. Scottish marine engineer Robert Napier (1791—1876) is credited with inventing this type of coffeemaker in...
This double portrait of sisters not only illustrates the romanticized style of mid-19th-century painting, but also relates to Washington D.C., history through family, artist and architectural...
These elegant Classical urns were made in England in the late 18th century. Though unmarked, they are attributed to the potter Ralph Edwards II (1748—1795). Pottery with a marbleized surface is known...
This stunning brooch and earrings set features emeralds and pearls set in gold with black enamel decorative details. Matching jewelry pieces—sometimes including necklaces and other pieces, but most...
A huge monument dominates the landscape in this intriguing example of schoolgirl art. Sketched in pencil and outlined with a garland of flowers, the monument is not a funerary object but rather a...
The British ceramics factory Wedgwood made this bone china cream pot and covered sugar bowl between 1812 and 1831. Wedgwood did not invent bone china; Josiah Spode II is credited with developing it in...
These two dramatically different gowns were worn by NSDAR Presidents General only 35 years apart. Caroline Scott Harrison, the National Society's first President General, wore her ribbed silk faille...
High-wheeled bicycles, also called penny-farthings, were a craze of the 1880s, when this child’s bicycle was manufactured. They were popular with all ages despite design flaws: They sent riders...
Perhaps the most unusual feature about this rocking bench, probably made in the Mid-Atlantic region around 1840, is the removable rail at the front of the seat. With the rail, the rocking bench...